shortened shocks leaking

[l1ttle_d3vil]

the shocks in my ae85 struts are leaking so gota fix it up for the WOF man. problem is they are shortened shocks, obviously if they were stock it would just be a matter of getting new replacements.

is there anything else I can do in this situation so that I don't have to get them shortened again? someone mentioned getting some gas inserts or something like that...how would that prevent the need to have shocks reshortened? sorry if this sounds like a stupid question, but if I can avoid the hassle of having them reshortened it would be mint. i've searched and it only covers standard shocks...

also, (may be a stupid question too!) what actually causes the shocks to leak? dodgy suspension setup, or just standard wear and tear? it seems quite common so i'm guessing the latter...

[RED TOP MR 2]

i am quite sure ke35 run insert type shocks.in that case you can try to find a simliar insert from a different car which is shorter.like in kp starlets many people run aw11 rear inserts i think.this is as they are shorter.a leaky shock can be caused from a damaged shaft.like one grabbed with vice grips lol.

[l1ttle_d3vil]

i am quite sure ke35 run insert type shocks.

the shocks in my ae85 struts are leaking...

they're in my ke35, but i'm running ae85 struts. so just find another shock which will fit into the strut housing?

aslong as its the correct length and the big nut thing at the top threads into the ae85 strut housing it'll be sweet?

[rollaholic]

you could get your shortened inserts rebuilt, would probably be cheaper to get new shocks reshortened though.

as for mixing and matching shocks, generally specific shocks are valved for specific vehicles - if you arent too concerned with the handling and just want to be able to run low springs, then its not a big problem. otherwise you need to match the shock to the application.

[frost]

get ae92 kyb gas excel front shocks for your ae85. its been done lots of times. best bang for buck.

the shock body is shorter so will need 60mm spacer taped to the bottom. just go to anywhere that sells alloy tubing and get them to gut you two 60mm tubes that are the same diameter as the shocks. 43.5mm out side diameter with a 2-3mm thick wall. then you will have great shocks that are already shorter.

[l1ttle_d3vil]

get ae92 kyb gas excel front shocks for your ae85. its been done lots of times. best bang for buck.

out of interest, does this work for ke35 struts too?

and is it legal to have spacers in the strut? will check out the ae92 shocks, hopefully they will be the right lenght. anyone know what the standard lenght of ae92 shocks are compared to ae85 shocks?

[frost]

i dont see why it would not work for ke. yes its legal some shock company's will offer you different sized spacers when you upgrade to short stroke.

here is a short list of shocks and size
http://garagedori.com/tech/suspension/shock_guide.php
and a link to info on why you need to use spacer.
http://garagedori.com/tech/suspension/a ... struts.php